Want to get up close and personal with Darth Vadar or look into the eyes of Jabba the Hutt...then look no further

Star Wars may well have happened a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, but it is the present day in which it has not so much hit its stride in terms of serving the legions of fans devoted to it, but broken out into a full-on sprint.

From its annual Celebration events - held around the world - to Disney’s merciless exploitation of anything and everything to do with the franchise, it crosses generations and continues to excite; helped greatly by a new series of films to ensure everyone from their 50s down know their Jedi from their Wookie.

And it is that broad appeal which makes up the audience for Star Wars Identities, an exhibition currently running at the O2 Arena in Greenwich.

An extensive display of props, costumes, storyboards, models and early sketches, it is a fascinating exploration of the Star Wars universe with a heavy focus on the original - and let’s face it the best - trilogy.

Star Wars Identities at the O2 until September 2017. Pix: LucasFilm

There are original C3PO and R2D2s, costumes worn in the Empire Strikes Back by Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher. You can even stare straight into the (original) eyes of Jabba the Hutt.

As ever with Star Wars, it is the baddies which are so impressive - thus Darth Vader gets his own special place to stand and admire him - while the ability to see original Stormtrooper costumes and the mighty Boba Fett just reminds you what iconic creations they are.

Everyone visiting gets a headset which when you enter the range of a wireless transmitter means you get a commentary to accompany key parts of the exhibition, while there is also the ability to create your own Star Wars character as you go.

You answer a few keys questions as you visit each section and just before you go blinking into the merchandise shop you can not only see your figure stand before you, but also get the details emailed home later.

Star Wars Identities at the O2 until September 2017. Pix: LucasFilm

The exhibition slots are timed, so it’s never too crowded, and takes about 90 minutes.

It runs until early September. Tickets cost £20/25 for adults and £10/15 for children.

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